Page 35 of Pretty Thing

As soon as he says that, I can’t help but wonder why not? I’m fucked. Did that concussion do damage they didn’t tell me about?

He unfastens his air cast, then pulls off his socks and sets them aside. I force myself not to lick my lips as I watch the muscles in his arms and back flex.

“Eden….”

It’s only my name, but my pulse spikes like he just said the dirtiest thing ever. I blink, my cheeks heating as I look up at him.

He pulls a plastic bag from his back pocket like a magic trick. I eye it warily, but he puts it over my cast and ties it in place. I completely forgot that I can’t get it wet.

“Helping you is helping me. Thinking of Sam hurts so much unless I’m with you,” he says, and my chest aches. He needs me too.

Felix picks me up and steps into the shower like this is the most normal thing in the world. He sits me down on the stool, then stands up straight. I watch as his jeans soak through and cling to his legs, ass, and…oh lord help me. I cannot breathe properly, and not because of my ribs this time.

My turquoise bra turns see-through, and I cross my arms. I’ve never been insecure, but I have never felt so exposed and so alone in a way that leaves me more stripped than clothes can cover.

“Is that warm enough?” Felix whispers right beside my ear. I jerk and almost leap off the stool. His hands touch my shoulders, keeping me in place.

“Yup. Fine. Perfect. Great.”

I want to smack my forehead.

Felix chuckles softly.

“Good. Tip your head back and get your hair wet.”

I don’t argue and do as he says. I’m so focused on every little sound he makes that I barely notice any pain. The scent of my bubble gum shampoo fills the air a moment before Felix begins massaging it into my hair. His fingers are firm as they move in little circles, lulling me into relaxation.

“You tell me if anything hurts.”

I nod silently.

“Lean back again.”

He rinses my hair and then adds the conditioner. By the time he finishes, I’m half asleep, but my eyes snap open as my bra comes undone, and I cross my arms over my chest.

I gasp and sit up straighter. Instead of Felix commenting, he picks up the washcloth, squirts body soap onto it, and starts the soothing circles again. This time rubbing all over my body. I’m once more torn between multiple emotions. My breathing turns quick as the cloth roams over my shoulder and down between my breasts. He doesn’t push for more, but my heart gallops and the touch feels intimate.

There is no stopping my nipples from hardening or goosebumps from rising and chasing his hand as it moves until the entire top half of my body is lathered in soap.

“Do you have any idea how pretty you are,” Felix asks, his voice as smooth as butter if it was laced with gravel. My thighs clench, and I bite my lip, trying hard not to show the effect he has on my body. “Do you?”

I give a non-committal shrug.

Felix steps out and around in front of me, and I cross my arms over my chest as he squats down, his hands on my knees.

“Say, I believe you, Felix,” he whispers.

I press my lips together and turn away from his penetrating stare.

“Don’t be embarrassed.”

“Easy for you to say. Have you looked in a mirror?”

The corner of Felix’s mouth turns up as he touches my chin and forces me to look at him.

“You’re so pretty. Not the kind of pretty built on fake standards of beauty. The kind of pretty that makes others wish they had it naturally. Don’t ever hide who you are from me.”

He smiles, and my stomach flips. My heart rate triples as I fidget on the little plastic stool.